KHR: Decimo Primo

The soft rays of the morning sun streamed through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over the neatly set table. The aroma of freshly cooked eggs and miso soup filled the air, bringing with it a sense of familiarity that warmed Tsuna's heart. Nana hummed a cheerful tune as she placed a bowl of rice in front of him, her eyes crinkling with joy.

"It's been so long since I've cooked for my little boy," she said, sitting across from him. "You've been eating well, haven't you? I'm glad you still love my cooking."

Tsuna chuckled softly, taking a bite of his food. "Of course I love it, Mom. Nobody makes breakfast like you do." The taste brought a wave of nostalgia, reminding him of simpler days before the Mafia world had turned his life upside down.

"You've grown so much, Tsuna," Nana said, her tone tinged with a hint of wistfulness. "But no matter how big you get, you'll always be my little boy."

Tsuna smiled, his heart aching with both affection and guilt. The truth of his life now—the dangers he faced daily, the responsibilities that weighed heavily on him—was a world he wished he could shield his mother from forever.

As they continued to chat, Tsuna's phone vibrated on the table. Glancing at the screen, he saw a message from Horace, one of the guards assigned to his safety. Opening it, his brow furrowed slightly as he read:

Horace: Sawada-sama, I apologize for the late notice, but I was contacted by an agent from the True Cross Academy yesterday evening. They informed me that your visitor will arrive earlier than expected. You can expect them in approximately 30 minutes. I did not inform you immediately to follow the orders to remain inconspicuous. Please continue to enjoy your morning as planned.

Tsuna let out a quiet sigh. "Horace..." he muttered under his breath, a mix of exasperation and gratitude flashing across his face. He appreciated the efforts to let him live a semblance of a normal life, but surprises like this weren't exactly his favorite.

"Something wrong, dear?" Nana asked, her brow creased with concern.

"Oh, it's nothing, Mom," Tsuna said, offering a reassuring smile. "Just a message from someone I'll be meeting later. Nothing urgent."

Nana's expression softened. "You've been so busy lately. I hope today isn't too stressful for you."

"I'll be fine," Tsuna replied, finishing the last of his rice. "And I'll make sure to be back in time for dinner. Maybe we can have sukiyaki tonight?"

Nana beamed. "That sounds wonderful! I'll make sure it's extra special."

Tsuna's phone vibrated again, pulling his attention briefly. He glanced at the time and calculated that the representative from the True Cross Academy would likely arrive soon.

"Mom, I'll clean up here," he said, standing and gathering the dishes. "You've done enough this morning."

"What a sweet boy," Nana said, her eyes shining. "But don't forget to take care of yourself too, Tsuna."

As Tsuna washed the dishes, his mind turned to the visitor. He had no idea who would be arriving, but the mystery only added to his apprehension. He reminded himself to stay calm and composed. Whatever the reason for this meeting, he was determined to handle it with confidence.

Nana, noticing his thoughtful expression, approached him near the sink. "Is this the visitor coming to take you to that summer school you mentioned, Tsuna?" she asked curiously.

"Something like that," Tsuna replied, his tone vague but polite. "It's more of a meeting to discuss the details."

The sound of the doorbell jolted them both out of their conversation. Tsuna dried his hands, taking a deep breath. "I'll get it, Mom. It's probably them."

Nana nodded, watching as he made his way to the door. Her motherly instincts tugged at her, but she trusted Tsuna to handle himself.

As the door opened, Nana's attention was caught by the figure who entered—a man clad in an elaborate purple coat with a striking top hat. His mischievous smile and vibrant, otherworldly aura immediately set him apart. Mephisto Pheles was the picture of eccentricity, and his presence was both charming and unsettling.

"Greetings!" the man said, tipping his hat with a flourish. "I am Mephisto Pheles, representative of the True Cross Academy. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Sawada Tsunayoshi."

Tsuna invited him inside, and Nana offered a polite nod before excusing herself. "I'll leave you two to talk," she said, retreating toward the kitchen. But as she turned away, her vision suddenly blurred, and the world around her shifted.

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Nana's PerspectiveNana felt herself falling, though her body hadn't moved. The warmth of her kitchen vanished, replaced by a swirling, kaleidoscopic void. Colors danced and twisted around her, and an eerie silence settled in her ears. Her heart raced as she realized she was no longer in her home.

"Ah, Nana Sawada," a familiar voice echoed, smooth and amused. "It's been a long time."

She turned sharply, her instincts kicking in. Standing before her was Mephisto Pheles—or rather, a fragment of him. His form was slightly translucent, his mischievous grin even more unsettling in this surreal dimension.

"What is this?" Nana demanded, her tone sharper than usual. "Why have you brought me here?"

Mephisto chuckled, spreading his arms in a mockingly innocent gesture. "Now, now, is that any way to greet your dear grandfather?"

Nana's eyes narrowed, her posture tense. "You're no family of mine. I left that world behind years ago."

"True," Mephisto mused, tilting his head. "But blood is blood, my dear. You are the child of a Nephilim—my lineage flows through your veins, whether you like it or not."

Her fists clenched. Memories of her past as an exorcist, the battles she had fought, and the secrets she had buried resurfaced with a vengeance. She thought she had left that life behind when she married Iemitsu, building a peaceful existence for Tsuna. Yet here stood a specter of her past, threatening to unravel everything.

"What do you want? If you've come for me, you're wasting your time."

"Oh, I'm not here for you," Mephisto said, his grin widening. "I'm here for your son."

Nana's heart sank. "Tsuna? What does he have to do with you?"

"That's for him to discover," Mephisto replied cryptically. "But let's just say he's caught the interest of many powerful players. And as his dear grandfather, I couldn't resist getting involved."

Nana's voice rose, a rare edge of anger breaking through. "Stay away from him! Tsuna doesn't need your interference."

"Interference?" Mephisto laughed, the sound echoing unnaturally. "My dear, I'm merely here to offer guidance. Besides, you should be more concerned about your husband."

Nana froze, her breath hitching. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, come now," Mephisto said, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Surely you've noticed Iemitsu's... peculiarities. Or are you content to remain in blissful ignorance?"

Nana's jaw tightened. "I trust my husband and my son. When they're ready, they'll tell me the truth. Until then, I don't need you meddling."

Mephisto clapped his hands, his grin never faltering. "Such loyalty! Admirable, truly. But don't worry—I have no intention of spilling their secrets. I merely wanted to see how my dear granddaughter was faring."

"Enough games," Nana snapped. "Send me back."

"Not before we test your resolve," Mephisto said, his tone shifting to something darker.

Shadows coalesced around her, taking on monstrous shapes. Nana's instincts as an exorcist flared to life. She summoned her energy, conjuring a weapon of light. Though her skills were rusty and her power only middling, she stood her ground.

The battle was brief but intense. Nana fought with determination, her attacks precise but lacking the overwhelming force of her Nephilim heritage. Mephisto watched with a bemused expression, as if assessing her.

Finally, with a flick of his wrist, the shadows dissipated. "Impressive. You still have some fire left," he said. "But remember, Nana, your son's world is far more dangerous than you realize."

"I'll protect him," she said firmly. "No matter what it takes."

"Good," Mephisto said, his grin returning. "You'll need that resolve."

With a snap of his fingers, the kaleidoscopic world dissolved, and Nana found herself back in her kitchen. The warmth of the sunlight and the sound of distant chatter grounded her, but her hands trembled slightly.

She took a deep breath, steeling herself. Whatever Mephisto's plans were, she would protect her family. No matter what.

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The day seemed oddly quiet after Nana returned from the kitchen. She moved slower than usual, her gaze distant as if her thoughts were somewhere far away. Tsuna couldn't ignore the change.

"Mom, is something wrong?" he asked gently, stepping closer.

Nana blinked, her eyes refocusing on him. "Hm? Oh, no, dear. I'm fine. Just feeling a bit tired today."

Her tone was light, but Tsuna caught the faint tremor in her voice. Her posture was stiff, her movements slightly mechanical as she busied herself with arranging her bag. "I have to head to work soon," she said quickly, avoiding his gaze. "Make sure to lock up before you leave, okay?"

Tsuna frowned slightly. His instincts, honed through countless battles and training over the last two years, detected the subtle tension in her body language. Something was off, but he could also see the reluctance in her expression—a silent plea not to push further. Reluctantly, he nodded.

"I will. Take care, Mom," he said, his voice soft with understanding.

Nana gave him a weak smile and hurried out the door. The moment it closed, Tsuna's shoulders slumped. He couldn't shake the feeling that something had happened, something she wasn't telling him.

"Troubled, are we?" Mephisto's voice broke through his thoughts, light and teasing.

Tsuna turned to see the enigmatic man lounging on the couch, his legs crossed and his ever-present grin plastered on his face. "Your mother is quite the remarkable woman," Mephisto said, his tone dripping with amusement.

"What did you do to her?" Tsuna demanded, his voice steady but edged with warning.

"Me?" Mephisto feigned innocence, placing a hand on his chest. "Why, I simply said hello. It seems she wasn't prepared for my... unique charm."

Tsuna narrowed his eyes but said nothing, choosing instead to focus on the reason for Mephisto's visit. "You said you're here about the summer program?"

"Indeed!" Mephisto clapped his hands together, his grin widening. "Let's talk about your internship, shall we? As you know, the True Cross Academy is a prestigious institution, and we've been keeping a close eye on you, Sawada Tsunayoshi. Your lineage, your abilities—it's all quite fascinating."

Tsuna crossed his arms, his expression guarded. "And what exactly does this internship involve?"

"Oh, the usual," Mephisto said casually, waving a hand. "Learning about the exorcist world, honing your skills, making connections. Think of it as a crash course in survival."

"But I'm not even in middle school yet," Tsuna pointed out. "Why me?"

"Ah, but you're no ordinary child," Mephisto replied, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "You're the Vongola heir. Your destiny intertwines with ours in ways you can't yet imagine."

Tsuna's stomach twisted at the mention of his heritage. He'd spent two years grappling with the weight of being Vongola Decimo, and now it seemed his path was branching into even stranger territory.

"Your internship will begin here in Japan, at the True Cross Academy," Mephisto continued. "But don't get too comfortable. After a short time, you'll be transferred to our Kyoto branch. There, you'll work with some of our finest exorcists, gaining valuable experience."

"And if I refuse?" Tsuna asked, his voice low.

Mephisto's grin didn't falter. "Oh, I wouldn't recommend that. This is an opportunity, young man. One you'd be wise to embrace."

Tsuna sighed, running a hand through his hair. He didn't trust Mephisto, but he couldn't ignore the importance of understanding the exorcist world, especially if it was connected to his own.

"Fine," he said at last. "But I'm doing this on my terms."

"Splendid!" Mephisto said, standing and adjusting his hat. "I knew you'd see reason. Now, shall we get started?"

The moment Mephisto snapped his fingers, Tsuna felt a sudden rush of vertigo. The air around him seemed to ripple and twist, and in the blink of an eye, the walls of his home dissolved into a cascade of light. Before he could even process what was happening, he found himself standing on the edge of a vast cityscape bathed in the hues of twilight.

"What just happened?" Tsuna muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. His heart raced as he looked around, taking in the sprawling city below. The skyline was a mixture of towering buildings and historic architecture, their lights shimmering like stars against the encroaching night. The sheer scale of the place was breathtaking, but what truly stunned him was how seamlessly Mephisto had transported them there.

"Welcome, Sawada Tsunayoshi, to the domain of True Cross Academy!" Mephisto declared, spreading his arms wide as if presenting a masterpiece.

Tsuna forced himself to maintain a composed expression, but his mind was racing. Teleportation... No, it wasn't just that. The sheer power required to bring us somewhere this far, this quickly... What is this guy?

Though he'd grown used to dealing with strange and powerful individuals in the Mafia world, this felt entirely different. The Vongola bloodline had sharpened his instincts, and they screamed at him to be wary. Mephisto wasn't just toying with him—he was showing a glimpse of his strength. The display was casual, almost flippant, and that made it all the more unsettling.

"So, this is the famous True Cross Academy," Tsuna said, keeping his voice even. Outwardly, he appeared calm, but his sharp eyes betrayed his focus as he absorbed every detail of their surroundings.

"Yes, indeed!" Mephisto chirped, clearly enjoying himself. "To the untrained eye, it's merely a prestigious institution for the nation's elite—a shining beacon of education. To most, it's a place where the sons and daughters of Japan's most powerful families come to prepare for their future. And they wouldn't be wrong! But beneath that polished surface lies the true purpose of this grand establishment."

Tsuna frowned, his curiosity piqued despite himself. "A base for exorcists?"

"Precisely!" Mephisto grinned, tipping his hat. "It's a fortress, a training ground, and a hub for some of the finest minds in the exorcist world. And now, my dear Vongola heir, it's also part of your journey."

Of course, it would be more than just a school, Tsuna thought wryly. He'd heard of True Cross Academy before, but only in passing. His father had once mentioned it as one of Japan's top schools, a place where the rich and influential sent their children. But now, standing here and feeling the hum of energy in the air, he realized how much more there was to the story.

"What's the point of showing me this?" Tsuna asked, folding his arms. He couldn't let Mephisto see how rattled he truly felt. I've dealt with Mafia dons, assassins, and flames that can incinerate mountains. I'm not going to flinch now, he told himself.

Mephisto's smile didn't waver. If anything, it grew wider. "Ah, always so suspicious. I like that about you! But don't think of this as merely a show-and-tell. Consider it a prelude to the summer internship you'll be undertaking."

"Internship?" Tsuna repeated, his eyes narrowing. "You mean this summer program you mentioned?"

"Correct! As an exchange student, you'll spend a brief but enlightening time here. You'll learn about the exorcist world, experience its challenges, and even face a few of its dangers. It's all part of the grand plan to prepare you for the future. After all, the Vongola heir must be well-versed in more than just Mafia affairs."

"And then I go to Kyoto, right?" Tsuna added, recalling Mephisto's earlier explanation. "Why bother splitting my time between here and the Kyoto branch?"

"A sharp question!" Mephisto chuckled. "Kyoto offers a... different perspective on the exorcist world. Let's just say it's a chance to broaden your horizons. But don't worry, we'll get to that in due time. For now, focus on the present."

Tsuna glanced back at the cityscape, his expression unreadable. Inside, his thoughts churned. This is too much at once. First, my mother acting strange, and now this? Why do I get the feeling that things are only going to get more complicated from here?

Mephisto stepped closer, his grin taking on a sharper edge. "What's wrong, Tsunayoshi? Feeling overwhelmed?"

"Not at all," Tsuna replied, his voice steady. He turned to face Mephisto fully, his gaze unwavering. "Just trying to figure out what your real motive is."

Mephisto threw his head back and laughed, the sound echoing through the twilight. "Ah, you truly are your father's son. Suspicious to the end! But don't worry, my boy. You'll find out soon enough."

Tsuna didn't respond. He simply watched Mephisto with the quiet intensity of someone who had learned, through hard experience, never to take things at face value. Whatever this internship entailed, he knew one thing for certain—it was going to test him in ways he had never been tested before.